Indican is a compound found in the human body, a byproduct of normal metabolic processes. Its levels are linked to digestion and gut health, offering insights into how the body processes dietary components and maintains internal balance.
Understanding Indican
Indican is a chemical compound, a glucoside of indole, formed from the breakdown of proteins in the digestive tract. This process primarily involves the amino acid tryptophan, found in protein-rich foods. Gut bacteria in the intestines convert tryptophan into various byproducts, including indole, which leads to indican formation.
Formation and Metabolism in the Body
Indican’s formation begins in the intestines when gut bacteria metabolize tryptophan into indole. This indole is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the liver. In the liver, indole is first hydroxylated by cytochrome P450 enzymes like CYP2E1 to form indoxyl. Indoxyl is then conjugated with sulfate, primarily by sulfotransferase enzymes like SULT1A1, resulting in indoxyl sulfate, commonly referred to as indican. This water-soluble compound is transported to the kidneys for excretion in the urine, making it a marker of intestinal activity and protein putrefaction.
Measuring Indican Levels
Indican levels are assessed through a urine test, known as the Obermeyer test. This test measures the concentration of indoxyl sulfate. Healthcare providers may order this test as part of a comprehensive evaluation of digestive health, particularly when there is suspicion of intestinal dysbiosis, protein malabsorption, or increased protein fermentation in the gut. Results are presented on a scale, such as 0 to 4, or categorized as ‘High’ or ‘Low’, indicating the extent of protein putrefaction.
What Elevated Indican Levels Indicate
Elevated indican levels in urine, known as indicanuria, suggest an increased breakdown of proteins by intestinal bacteria. This points to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, where certain bacterial populations may be overgrowing or functioning inefficiently. High indican can also indicate challenges with protein digestion or absorption, which may stem from insufficient stomach acid, a lack of digestive enzymes, or rapid food transit.
Such elevated levels can be a non-specific indicator seen in various gastrointestinal conditions. These include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where bacteria proliferate in the small intestine, and increased intestinal permeability, referred to as “leaky gut” syndrome.
While elevated indican primarily signals issues with protein putrefaction and gut imbalance, significantly low levels might suggest insufficient beneficial bacteria or an inadequate intake of protein. The indican test serves as a valuable tool for understanding the efficiency of protein digestion and the microbial balance within the gut.